Bilic: Modric will come good
Slaven Bilic has backed Croatia star Luka Modric to shine at this summer's European Championship Finals despite the player's indifferent start to the tournament. Modric scored from the spot to help Croatia squeeze past Austria in their opening game but suffered an ankle injury soon after, leaving doubts over the level of his performance.
The 22-year-old, who will join Tottenham in a £15.8m deal after the competition, should recover in time to face Germany on Thursday and Bilic insists his midfield star will be ready to lead the charge.
"He is going to get better every day, in this tournament and in his career," the Croatia boss told the BBC.
"Luka is the type of player who can play anywhere in the midfield - up front or more defensively.
"He is our best player, without him we would be half of what we are.
"I have told him that I expect him to be the best player at the tournament. Not to put more weight on his shoulders but because I mean it.
"He is a calm player and very mature for his age. That is why he is our penalty taker."
Croatia struggled to impress against co-hosts Austria last Sunday with Modric failing to make a real impact, but he remains confident his side will improve when they face tournament favourites Germany in Klagenfurt.
"We have a lot of confidence," Modric said. "Despite the poor second half against Austria, I am convinced that we can do well against Germany.
"My performance fell well short in the second half, like the rest of the team.
"But I love the big challenges and play better when under pressure. This game is exactly what I like."
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